New Orleans Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans series (often referred to by fans as the Bentz & Montoya series) is a masterclass in atmospheric romantic suspense. The narrative spans nine full-length novels that follow Detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya as they hunt down sadistic serial killers in the shadowy bayous and historic streets of the Crescent City. Because the characters' personal lives, romantic relationships, and overarching investigations evolve significantly from book to book, reading them in order is essential. Fortunately, the chronological order matches the publication order exactly.

Here is the recommended reading path for the series:

1. Hot Blooded (2001) – NOPD Detective Rick Bentz is introduced alongside late-night radio therapist Dr. Samantha Leeds, who is being targeted by a serial killer calling himself "Father John" (the Rosary Killer).
2. Cold Blooded (2002) – Detective Reuben Montoya takes center stage when a copycat of the Rosary Killer emerges, targeting Samantha’s sister, Olivia Beacut.
3. Shiver (2006) – Montoya investigates a series of gruesome ritualistic murders connected to an abandoned psychiatric hospital, Our Lady of Virtues, and falls for Abby Chastain.
4. Absolute Fear (2007) – Detective Bentz, recovering from a near-death experience, returns to investigate murders linked to the same psychiatric hospital, bringing his own dark past to light.
5. Lost Souls (2008) – The focus shifts to Bentz’s daughter, Kristi Bentz, who goes undercover at All Saints College to investigate missing students and finds herself in a killer's sights.
6. Malice (2009) – Picking up immediately after the events of Lost Souls, this novel follows a hospitalized Kristi and the detectives as they hunt down a killer with deeply personal ties to the Bentz family.
7. Devious (2011) – A priest is murdered in a confessional, forcing Bentz and Montoya to unravel a web of family secrets and religious hypocrisy.
8. Never Die Alone (2015) – A mass grave discovered in the swamp links back to a cold case from Bentz’s former life as a detective in Los Angeles, reopening old wounds.
9. The Last Sinner (2023) – The epic finale of the series. The Rosary Killer, Father John, appears to have returned from the dead, targeting Kristi Bentz and her loved ones in a final, brutal showdown.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For some book series, readers have to choose between the order in which the books were published and the order in which the events actually occur. For the New Orleans series, you do not have to worry about this dilemma. The chronological order of the plot aligns perfectly with the publication years, starting with Hot Blooded in 2001 and concluding with The Last Sinner in 2023. Reading them in this sequence ensures that you follow the natural progression of the NOPD investigation files and the detectives' personal lives.

Chronological and Continuity Caveats

While some romantic suspense series feature standalone mysteries that can be read in any order, the New Orleans series is heavily serialized. The central antagonist of the series, the elusive serial killer known as "Father John" (or the Rosary Killer), casts a long shadow over almost every book. His threat begins in the very first novel, Hot Blooded, and the hunt for him spans over two decades of publication time, culminating in the final book, The Last Sinner. If you jump into the middle of the series, you will encounter major spoilers regarding who survives his attacks, how his identity is uncovered, and the fates of key recurring characters.

Additionally, books 5 and 6 (Lost Souls and Malice) form a tight duology focused on Rick Bentz's daughter, Kristi. Reading Malice without first reading Lost Souls will leave you highly confused, as Malice begins immediately after the cliffhanger ending of the previous book.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the eerie atmosphere of Lisa Jackson's Crescent City, there are a few important details to keep in mind:

• Tone and Style: This series leans much darker than typical romance novels. It features graphic serial killer psychology, ritualistic crimes, and high-stakes thriller elements, balanced with steamier, atmospheric romance subplots.
• No Canon Novellas: Unlike many other suspense series, the Bentz & Montoya universe does not contain official companion novellas, short stories, or spin-off guides. The narrative is contained entirely within the nine core novels.
• Separation from Other Series: Although Lisa Jackson is famous for her Montana-based Alvarez & Pescoli series and her co-authored projects with sister Nancy Bush (like the Wicked and Colony series), the New Orleans books remain a self-contained universe. There are no official character crossovers with her other series.
• Setting as a Character: The city of New Orleans—complete with its muggy bayous, historic French Quarter, gothic architecture, and even the real-world impact of Hurricane Katrina in later books—serves as an active, moody backdrop that directly shapes the investigations.

Practical Reader Advice

The absolute best starting point is Hot Blooded. Starting here introduces you to Rick Bentz, establishes the foundational lore of the Rosary Killer, and sets the dark, moody tone of the series. If you are a fan of serial killer profiling, grit, and high-intensity romantic suspense, this series is highly recommended. Just be sure to read them in order to avoid spoiling the multi-decade mystery of Father John!